This week in 1919: November 27

Home Projects Scheme.—In order to encourage young people to take up some “hobby” in their spare time, the Victorian Education Department has inaugurated a home projects scheme, which it is hoped will become very popular throughout the State. The details have been worked out so that those taking part will gain an insight into the business methods of managing the branch they go in for. Clubs are to be formed in the different centres, membership being confined to those under the age of 18 years. Members may take up any “hobby” they desire, and the department is awarding prizes, which will be decided on points, to be given for condition of exhibits and their accommodation, results secured, and system of keeping records, etc. In the Numurkah district (of which Mr J. Calder. H.T. Numurkah S.S., is the supervisor), poultry keeping will be the principal “hobby,” and with a view to securing the co-operation of fanciers.  

ATTEMPT TO BRIBE FOOTBALL UMPIRE.

DISCUSSED BY THE G.V.F.A.

Readers will remember that just prior to the final football match between Muckatah and Drumanure, played on the Numurkah show-grounds on October 18. Umpire Moxham (of the League) reported that he had received a letter from a supporter of one of the clubs, offering him £10 to umpire in  such a manner that a particular team would win.

The matter was brought forward at a meeting of the association on Monday last, when the President (Mr H. V. Howell) outlined the position as he knew it, and explained the reason for the meeting not being held earlier. The sectary of the association (Mr W. Carter) had showed him the letter received by Moxham, but had turned down both the heading and signature, so that he had no idea who was supposed to have written it.

The President then asked why it was that the secretary requested the League to send an umpire other than the one chosen by the association, and Mr Carter explained that he had done so owing to the fact that the previous week an umpire was met at the station by members of a club and introduced under another name.

The meeting asked for by the President had not been called earlier, as he (the secretary) had been too busy.

The letter received by Mr Moxham (and which he forwarded to the League, by which body it had boon impounded) commenced “Dear Billy,” and after stating that Muckatah and Drumanure were to meet, asked Moxham if appointed not to give he job to someone else, but to come up himself. The letter went on: “There is a fair bit of betting on, and I think we will beat them comfortably, but in order to make sure, and that we can gather up their spare cash, I will lay you £10 if we win, and I don’t think you will have any trouble to bring that about.

Licensing Act.—The following is a copy of the resolution that, has been sent by the Numurkah Methodist congregation to the Premier, Chief secretary, and members for the district in the Legislative Council and Assembly:—”This congregation of members and adherents of the Numurkah Methodist Church herewith expresses its earnest hope that the proposal of the Lawson Government in connection with the Licensing Act, now before the State Parliament, will in no wise be modified, but that the Legislative Council and Assembly will grant, the full measure of reform sought for in the bill. Further, it expresses the earnest desire that a simple majority shall decide the issue at the coming local option poll. A similar resolution was also carried by the Baulkamaugh congregation on Sunday last.

Unruly Children-—Patrons of entertainments given in the Mechanics’ Hall have for a long time been annoyed by the noise made by a band of small boys who congregate at the front of the hall, and the nuisance has become so pronounced of late that some action will have to be taken to put a stop to it, otherwise people will have to discontinue patronising the hall. The ages of the boys range from six to about 10 years, and it should be a question for promoters of entertainments whether these youngsters should be allowed in the hall unaccompanied by parents or some older folk who will keep them in order.

To celebrate the State Library of Victoria’s digitising of the war years editions of the Numurkah Leader, each week we will include the news of the week, 100 years ago.

To view these editions online go to trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/title/591.